Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Their mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, they seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).
Invitation to Prayer ... TODAY
Hi Friends,
If you're in Midland this week, we'll be meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30 - TODAY - for prayer. We meet in the prayer closet at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Please join us in lifting up the needs of vulnerable children in our community and around the world!
Blessings,
Carrie
Dear Intercessors,
New York passed a new abortion law allowing abortions to take place up until the day of birth. One well-known pastor in New York City, Carl Lentz, of Hillsong said the following about this new law as he shared a picture of his children on Instagram:
"Found this old photo recently, and I remember it taking me years to process that these LITTLE PEOPLE, had come into our world! A miracle, without a doubt. And I'm saddened and angry that we are now a state that has made it legal to have an abortion even into the last day of a pregnancy. I spent hours talking to lawyers and people who hold opposing views on this issue. Although it is layered and there is language in it that some are claiming will protect mothers in peril, the only way I can describe where we are and where this is all headed..is evil, shameful and demonic. I dont use those words lightly, but they are applicable here. Some have said this is strictly a "women's rights issue." i dont disagree. We simply believe that WOMEN IN THE WOMB deserve the right to life, deserve the right to breath. Laws like this say unless you have a voice, if somebody deems you "viable/non viable" you have no protection. Psalm 139, tells us otherwise. I have hope still, that God will help us raise our collective voices, to see this change. This cannot stand. ...I know Hillsong NYC and many many other churches and organizations have been working hard for years to create options and help for those dealing with a pregnancy that is overwhelming for many reasons. And we will continue to do so. I'm also aware that often "pro-life politics"(while also supporting the death penalty, of course) have been quick to condemn abortion and the people that have them and then be invisible and hypocritical when it comes to helping women in need, in poverty, those who cannot gain access to proper medical care and creating policies that can help those that dont choose abortion. Those are facts. But this law, isn't about politics. This is about generations of babies that have no defense. Despite this dark day, our future is STILL bright because we know where our help comes from."
I recognize abortion is a highly politicized issue in our culture today, and generally I try to steer our prayers away either side of the political ditches we can so easily become snared in. I think Carl Lentz does a good job highlighting several perspectives on this issue that highlight its complexity and can lead us in our prayers:
1: Please pray for children who are in the cross-hairs of a law that says "unless you have a voice, if somebody deems you "viable/non viable" you have no protection."
2: Please pray for women who are faced with the circumstances where they feel like abortion is their only option. Pray for doctors who can council them with wisdom and compassion and empathy and help meet their deepest needs.
3: Please pray for the church. As Carl says, the pro-life community often "have been quick to condemn abortion and the people that have them and then be invisible and hypocritical when it comes to helping women in need, in poverty, those who cannot gain access to proper medical care and creating policies that can help those that don't choose abortion." The pro-life community must recognize how it's hands aren't clean in this either and repent.
While I know there are other matters in our community and around the world that could draw our prayers, I think sometimes it is helpful to focus on one thing. This isn't just about abortion laws in New York. It's about women facing unplanned pregnancies in our community and not knowing where to turn. It's Families learning the babies they are expecting are "incompatible with life" and not knowing how to process.
Blessings,
Carrie
Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153
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